Torn between 3 Operating Systems...?

Question

---Only read this question if you have the experience to make a logical comparison between Mac OS, Windows Vista, and Ubuntu (or any other form of Linux).---


My parents agreed to buy me a laptop for college next year, and I can't decide what kind of laptop I want. I know the specifications(2.4 Ghz dual core processor, 250 GB hard drive, 2 GB ram, etc.) I just can't come to a conclusion on which OS I want running the machine (Windows Vista, Mac OS, or Linux.)

---Vista---I am keeping in mind that this will be a laptop for college,and vista is very compatible, but I don't want to have to resort to it. I know microsoft went back and rewrote more than 60% of vista's code, I just don't like the anti-piracy adjustments made to it. Also I hate 2 things: viruses, and having to buy anti-virus software.

---Mac OS--- I like the Mac interface, and the slick look of their notebook, but I have heard that compatibility can be an issue, some college classes give out software essential for the class that only runs with windows (just ask my cousin). And I could buy a Windows or Linux laptop with better specs than a Macbook, for up to $300 dollars less.


---Linux---Now some people hear the word Linux and laugh, but don't turn your back on this OS. Linux OS is small (approx 387 MB) has a completely customizable interface, and no viruses on the web. Also, all it's software is open source, meaning it's all free(like Mozilla). Linux can use "most" Windows and Mac software by using "recoding" software. But compatibility is still an issue sometimes.

If I was choosing a laptop for downtime, hands down I would choose linux. But seeing how this laptop is for college, I am torn. Which one would you choose?

Answer 1

I am looking to get a MacBook next month when the new ones (supposedly) come out. That way, I can run all three operating systems in one machine and just switch to whatever is appropriate.



Get a MacBook and use BootCamp to load Windows and Linux.



If I had to choose just one operating system for a college environment, I would go with Windows. Vista has improved a lot since it was first released. You should check around your college's computing center to see if they provide free anti-virus software.

Answer 2

I would definitely go with Ubuntu. I use Ubuntu and it really is easy to use, free, and all the programs are free. I dual boot vista and Linux and now i barely ever use vista. vistas internet suddenly broke now, and I think I'm deleting the windows partition. If it were my choice i would probably get your laptop and just install Ubuntu on a different partition only going on windows when you need a certain program or game you need to run on it. You can run most programs with wine though and Linux also cant get viruses unless you log in as root which i think is disabled for security in Ubuntu. You also stated you liked the slick look of mac os then just install compiz. I love what it does so just youtube it and look at that. So just dual boot and enjoy all the free applications and cool features of Linux!

Answer 3

If you're heading for a more music/art/movie design career, I'd go for the MAC operating system, as it tends to be strongest in those areas, comes equipped with most tools for those kinds of applications and has the benefit of not needing to deal with as many viruses.



If you're going to be using little more than spreadsheets/writing/presentations, then I'd go for Ubuntu, as it's good for viruses, nice to learn, and has many products available that mimic things like MS office.



However, if you are going to be taking programming classes, and math classes requireing stuff like that, go for Windows. Ubuntu's GCC is a friggin nightmare to get working for anything more than the defaults (trust me), and getting hardware design tools (Altera's Quartus program comes to mind) to work on Linux is iffy at best.



Your best bet is to get Vista, and install Ubuntu onto a separate partition. Ubuntu allows you to create a partition out of the Vista partition so you can set up a dual boot. Then you'll get 2 out of 3. You can keep the Ubuntu partition small so that you can install teh specialty programs on the Vista portion, but use the net on the Linux portion.

Answer 4

You beat around the bush somewhat, but you admit:



1. Mommy's buying it, Adding $200 for OEM Vista means nothing to you.



2. You hate the DRM in Vista, but surely there is a way to circumvent that.



Get Vista. Linux and Mac are for computer people.

Answer 5

I had the blackberry pearl, yet switched to the blackberry 8700. indexed right here are my execs and cons with the pearl. I had T-cellular because the service service. professional: - length, effectual length for a telephone, basic to apply - digital camera, good digital camera (for a telephone) with flash - voice activated dialing became a obtainable function - basic to navigate with the scrollball, very intuitive - the exhibit is gorgeous, staggering and sparkling Cons: - battery existence. with my authentic looking utilization, needed to be charged on a daily basis. - Suretype keyboard (2 letters to a key). per chance in case you do not deliver quite some e-mail, yet in case you do, it truly is problematical. And the keys are small so once you've medium/great fingers, accuracy suffers. - the blend of the scrollball and shortage of an professional holster makes it so as that the phone would not ring each so often. once you've an incoming call, in case you move the scrollball, it silences the ringing. the hassle is once you've it on your pocket (or handbag), the scrollball rolls very freely even as it brushes up hostile to something , it silences the decision earlier you may listen it. The cons are why I no longer have the blackberry pearl and had the blackberry 8700 really. i'm a large fan of the blackberries, yet no longer the pearl. strong success.

Answer 6

mac would be the happy medium in my opinion.

many programs work great n it, and no viruses

as far as linux, it is in fact open source, but many of the programs like the phohtoshops and vid editing software isn't worth ****

windows? please

windows is like the hum v of operating systems

inefficient, bulky, and way overated

mac is the fricken smart car

get a mac

Answer 7

WINDOWS XP FTW



small space, compatible with all programs, more stable than windows vista. if you want the visual effects of vista on XP just download themes, theres tons of them just google it.